Has news of your 2020 running event being cancelled left you downbeat or perhaps relieved? Regardless, we've got an important message for you. Don't put your trainers away just yet!

COVID-19 has led to 95% of the Cure Parkinson's Trust's fundraising events being cancelled or postponed, including major running events like the Virgin Money London Marathon and the Royal Parks Half Marathon. But we're fighting back.

In their place, we are launching Run Local: our first ever virtual 8 day Festival of Running. Taking place between the 4th and 11th October. This is a multi-participant event for socially distanced times which puts the power in your hands. Set your own distance, embrace your local routes, and join our friendly Run Local community, all to raise money to cure Parkinson's.

We aim to have a large team of runners around the country during the week, including The Cure Parkinsons Trust (CPT) Patron Mike Tindall MBE, Iain Balshaw and our own CEO Will Cook, who will be coached by RunPod and TV & Radio presenter Jenni Falconer. Five of our most athletic supporters will kick the week off on Sunday 4 by attempting a full marathon, and Mike, Iain and Will will set out on their 5K routes on Saturday 10. We'd be delighted if you would join us!

We want to celebrate running in our local areas, so simply choose your favourite route and set your own challenge. Whether youre an experienced runner looking to put your training to good use, or you just want to enjoy a new challenge, you can get involved, your way.

In these COVID-19 times, CPT needs donations more than ever. We receive no government funding and rely on our challenge events to support our cutting-edge research. In 2020, 95% of our events have been cancelled, so your support during these uncertain times matters more than ever.

By running and fundraising for Run Local, you will help CPT to fund research with potential to slow, stop or reverse Parkinson's. Thank you.

For more information, please contact alex@cureparkinsons.org.uk